Participants should be able to explain what a baculovirus is and how it can be used in the field for fall armyworm control.
Parasitoids are natural enemies of the Fall Armyworm (FAW) that can be used as a biological control method for managing this pest. Parasitoids are insects that lay their eggs inside or on the larvae or pupae of FAW, and their offspring feed on and ultimately kill the pest. Unlike predators, which kill and consume many prey organisms during their lifetime, parasitoids typically lay their eggs on or in only one host, and their offspring complete their development by feeding on that host.
Using parasitoids for FAW control has several advantages. Unlike chemical insecticides, which can harm non-target organisms and can lead to the development of insecticide resistance, parasitoids only target FAW and do not harm other organisms. Parasitoids can also provide long-term control of FAW populations, as they can reproduce and persist in the environment without the need for ongoing treatment. Additionally, using parasitoids as a biological control method can help reduce reliance on chemical insecticides and promote more sustainable agriculture.
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Watch how this parasitoid, Chelonus insularis, parasitizes moth eggs.